Shikara Boats are the cultural symbol of Kashmir and an extensively used means of transport on Lake Dal. The boatmen that sail them make a living not only by ferrying visitors and tourists across to the many houseboats on the lake, but also by using them for trade and fishing. The shikaras themselves are wooden paddled boats about 15 feet (4.6 m) long and can seat about six people comfortably with seats and padded backrests.